Electroplating apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

There is described an apparatus for electroplating preselected portions of individual articles. The apparatus comprises a track member adapted for having the articles travel therealong, a supply means for supplying the articles to the track member, a vibratory means engaged to the track member for effecting movement of said articles along the track member, a container adapted for containing a predetermined quantity of electolyte solution therein and positioned substantially below and related to the track member, means for controlling the elevation of the electrolyte solution within the container in order that the solution contacts the preselected areas on the articles as these articles travel along the track member, means for controlling the rate of travel of the articles, a first electrode means associated with the articles, and a second electrode means of opposite polarity than the first electrode means and associated with the electrolyte solution. A method for electroplating preselected areas on individual articles is also disclosed.

United States Patent Grimaldi et al.

ELECTROPLATING APPARATUS AND METHOD Inventors: Guy M. Grimaldi, NorthWarren;

Thomas E. Byler, Pittsfield; Charles D. Seekings, Youngsville, all ofPa.

[73] Assignee: GTE Sylvania Incorporated, Seneca Falls, NY.

[22] Filed: June 28, 1973 Appl. No.: 374,535

[52] US. Cl. 204/15; 204/202; 204/222; 204/224 R [51] Int. Cl. C23b5/48; B23p 1/02; C23b 5/76 [58] Field of Search 204/224 R, 198-205,204/15, 222, 223

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,123,543 3/1964 Chapman,Jr. et a1. 204/28 3,420,766 1/1969 Michelson 204/222 3,462,350 8/1969Gannoe 20.4/224 R 3,616,423 10/1971 Faust 204/198 3,649,490 3/1972 Nolanet al. 204/201 3,657,097 4/1972 Baldock 204/202 3,769,191 10/1973 Stockl204/201 Primary Examiner-T. M. Tufariello Attorney, Agent, or FirmNormanJ. OMalley; Lawrence R. Fraley; Donald R. Castle [57] ABSTRACT There isdescribed an apparatus for electroplating preselected portions ofindividual articles. The apparatus comprises a track member adapted forhaving the articles travel therealong, a supply means for supplying thearticles to the track member, a vibratory means engaged to the trackmember for effecting movement of said articles along the track member, acontainer adapted for containing a predetermined quantity of electolytesolution therein and positioned substantially below and related to thetrack member, means for controlling the elevation of the electrolytesolution within the container in order that the solution contacts thepreselected areas on the articles as these articles travel along thetrack member, means for controlling the rate of travel of the articles,a first electrode means associated with the articles, and a secondelectrode means of opposite polarity than the first electrode means andassociated with the electrolyte solution. A method for electroplatingpreselected areas on individual articles is also disclosed.

14 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures SHEET 1 BF 3 I ELECTIROIPILATING APPARATUSAND METHOD BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates toelectrical deposition or plat ing ofa metal or alloy of metals onpreselected portions of individual articles in order to provide desiredcharacteristics in these areas. More particularly. the invention relatesto a method and means for achieving electrical plating of preselectedportions of individual articles with precious metals thereby making itimperative that the plating be substantially confined to these portions.Even more particularly, the invention relates to a means and method foraccomplishing the aforedescribed localized plating on large quantitiesof articles in relatively short periods of time.

In the manufacture of various individual articles, notably articlesuseful in the electronic industry, it is often desirable to plate thesearticles with a precious or simi' lar type metal or alloy of metals, thepurpose being to provide these articles with improved characteristicssuch as electroconductivity. One particular method for achieving thisplating on relatively large quantities of articles is known as barrel'plating. This process consists of placing articles in a submergiblebarrel-type device which is then placed in a bath of electrolytesolution. The barrel is then rotated at a predetermined speed,electrical current is applied to achieve the plating, and each articlereceives a substantially uniform deposition of material thereon. Whilebarrel plating does achieve electrical deposition on large quantities ofarticles. it can be readily understood that this method does not providea means for providing such deposition on only preselected areas of saidarticles. Accordingly, utilization of barrel" plating when onlypreselected portions of the articles are to be plated results not onlyin an unnecessary waste of materials, but also proves costly bymanufacturing standards.

It is believed. therefore. that an apparatus and method which couldselectively electroplate preselected portions of individual articles anddo so on relatively large quantities of articles in relatively shortperiods of time would constitute an advancement in the art.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore a primary object ofthis invention to provide an apparatus for electroplating preselectedportions of relatively large quantities of individual articles duringrelatively short periods of time.

It is another object of this invention to provide a method whichincorporates the above-described apparatus.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an electroplatingapparatus and method which are relatively inexpensive to utilize andcomparatively simple to operate.

In accordance with one aspect of this invention there is provided anapparatus for electroplating preselected portion of individual articles.The apparatus comprises a track member adapted for having these articlestravel therealong, a supply means for supplying these articles to thetrack member, a vibratory means engaged to the track member foreffecting movement of the articles along the track member, a containeradapted for containing a predetermined quantity of electrolyte solutiontherein, means for controlling the elevation of the electrolyte solutionwithin the container in order that this solution contacts thepreselected portions of the articles as the articles travel along thetrack member,

means for controlling the rate of travel of the articles,

a first electrode means associated with the articles, and

a second electrode means of opposite polarity than said first electrodemeans and associated with the electrolyte solution.

In accordance with another aspect of this invention, there is provided amethod for electroplating preselected portions of individual articles,this method comprising the steps of: (a) supplying the articles to atrack member, (b) effecting a vibratory movement to the ar-' ticleswhile the electrolyte solution contacts these preselected portions ofthe articles, and (c) applying an electrical potential to the articlesand an electrical potential of opposite polarity to the electrolytesolution thereby providing deposition of a metal on the preselectedportions of the articles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view ofthe apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the container of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view as taken along the lines 3-3 in FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view illustrating the means for controlling therate of travel of the articles which are to be electroplated by thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of one article which may be plated by thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS For a better understanding ofthe present invention together with other and further objects,advantages and capabilities thereof. reference is made to the followingdisclosure and appended claims in connection with the above-describeddrawings.

With particular reference to FIG. I, there is illustrated a frontelevational view of the subject invention, electroplating apparatuswhich is shown to comprise a track member 11, supply means 13, vibratorymeans 15, a container 17 adapted for having a predetermined quantity ofelectrolyte solution therein, means for controlling the rate of travelof articles as these articles travel along the track member 11, thismeans illustrated as a rotating disc member 19, a first electrode means21 associated with the articles, and a second electrode means 23associated with the electrolyte solution. Second electrode means 23 isillustrated in FIG. 2 as being affixed to the container member 17. Asalso can be seen in FIG. 2, apparatus 10 comprises a means forcontrolling the elevation of the electrolyte solution within container17, this means illustrated as an adjustable drain member 25 positionedwithin container 17.

In the preferred embodiments, supply means 13 comprises a vibratory feedmechanism which is capable of supplying individual articles 27 to trackmember 11. Such a feed mechanism, often referred to as a rotary or bowlvibratory feeder of a rotating vibratory machine, is well known in theart and commercially available from several sources. As articles 27 aresupplied to track member 11, portions of these articles protrude frombeneath the track member as shown in FIG. 1. As will be explained, theseportions comprise the preselected areas on the articles which are toreceive electrical deposition thereon. As articles 27 travel along trackmember 11, these preselected areas travel through a portion of container17 which is positioned substantially below track member 11. During theirperiod of travel through container 17, the preselected areas of articles27 are each contacted by the electrolyte solution within the container.Electrical current is then supplied to first electrode means 21 andsecond electrode means 23 to thereby achieve the deposition desired.After leaving container 17 and having this electrical depositionthereon, articles 27 are then removed from track member 11 by rotatingdisc member 19. The operation of this disc member will be explained withdescription of FIG. 4.

To provide movement of articles 27 along track member 11, vibratorymeans is provided. Means 15 in the preferred embodiment comprises aplurality of individual vibratory members 29 spacedly positioned alongand engaged to track member 11 to effect movement of the articlestherealong. Each vibratory member comprises a compact self-containedmagnetic motor which generates straight line vibratory motion whenelectrical current is passed through its internal windings. These arereferred to as VibroBlock generators and may be purchased from theArthur G. Russell Company, Incorporated, from Bristol, Conn. At leastsix such motors are preferably used, three on each side of track member11. By alternating the cycles of vibration for each motor, track 11 isvibrated in such a manner that articles 27 will travel therealong in thedirection indicated. Each of the vibratory members 29 are positioned ona corresponding bracket member 43 which in turn is fixedly positioned onsupport frame 45. Frame 45, as is reservoir 31, is positioned on surface39. Each vibratory member 29 in turn is connected to track member 11 viaa flange 47, this embodiment best shown in FIG. 3.

Positioned below container 17 is a collection reservoir 31 which servesto collect the overflow of electrolyte solution from container 17,thereafter recirculating it back to the container. To achieve thisrecirculating, a recirculation means 33 is provided and shown tocomprise a filter 35 and a pump member 37. Reservoir 31 is positionedwithin apparatus 10 by simply placing the reservoir on a surface 39 ofthe apparatus. Container 17, on the other hand, is positioned above andpartially within reservoir 31 by support members 41 (also shown in FIG.2).

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, track member 11 is shown to comprise a pairof opposingly aligned top portions 49 and 49' and a pair of opposingaligned bottom portions 51 and 51'. Top portions 49 and 49' are securedto flanges 47 while bottom portions 51 and 51 are secured to topportions 49 and 49' respectively. A preferred material for top portions49 and 49' is polyvinyl chloride, while a material preferred for bottomportions 51 and 51 is brass or any of the similar good electricallyconductive materials. First electrode means 21 is also illustrated inFIG. 3A and is shown to comprise the cathode member 53 of the presentinvention. Cathode member 53 which is electrically connected to anexternal circuit (not shown) thereby provides negative potential to eacharticle 27 as the article travels through a substantially centrallylocated slot 55 within the track member 11. Also shown in FIG. 3A andbetter illustrated in FIG. 2 is the second electrode means 23 whichcomprises the anode member of the present invention. Anode member 57,submerged within the electrolyte solution and spacedly positionedadjacent the preselected areas of articles 27 to receive deposition,comprises a platinum wire which in turn applies positive potential tothe electrolyte solution to achieve a deposition during the plating stepof the operation. This anode is, in general, the nonconsumable type,that is the anode does not furnish the metal to be coated. Anode member57 is retained within container 17 in the manner indicated in FIG. 2 andis electrically connected to an external circuit (not shown) viaconnecting wires 59. As can be appreciated, second electrode means 23can comprise more than a single wire. At least two wires could beutilized, each being positioned on one side of the article to be platedas the article travels through container 17.

Relatively low current densities are utilized with the presentinvention. For example, a desired rate for plating is approximately I40articles per minute. With the overall average amperage at approximately3.9 amps, a current density of about 35 amps/sq. ft. is utilized toobtain an average 40 millionths of an inch thickness of deposit on theplated area. The above example is not meant to be restrictive, however,as several alterations to the above figures are permissible.

A better view of the positioning relationship between container '17,collecting reservoir 31, track member 11 and vibratory members 29 can beseen in FIG. 3. As shown, container 17 is positioned upon support member41 which in turn overlaps the upstanding sides of reservoir 31. As alsocan be seen in this Figure, brackets 43 which hold vibratory members 29are positioned on frame 45 which in turn is fixedly attached to surface39. There is thus shown a means by which vibrational motion isindirectly supplied to each article which is to be plated. This motionis provided by vibratory members 29 via flanges 47, top portions 49 (or49') and bottom portions 51 (or 51') of track 11. The areas of thearticles that have been successfully plated by the present inventionhave exhibited many improved characteristics particularly with regard tobrightness and adherence. It is believed that a relationship existsbetween the described vibrational motion imparted and the describedsubsequent improved characteristics in the plated areas. It is furtherbelieved that these improvements are the result of the effect of thedescribed vibrational motion on the settling properties of the metalions in the electrolyte solution, that is, this settling is believedimproved by providing such motion.

With reference to FIG. 2, container 17 is illustrated and shown tocomprise an electrolyte solution containing portion 60 and a rinsesolution containing portion 61. Thus, it can be seen that as articles 27travel along track member 11 in the direction of travel indicated inFIG. 2, the preselected portions to receive electrical deposition areadapted for traveling through designated cutaway portions 63 withincontainer 17. Thus, there is shown a method by which these preselectedareas will first contact the electrolyte solution afterwhich theycontact a rinse solution. In the preferred embodiment, the rinsesolution is deionized water. The electroplating solutions that areuseful in this invention are known in the art. For example, goldpatterns are deposited from an electroplating solution containing a goldconcentration of about 1 to 1.25 ounces per gallon. Some examples ofsuitable gold plating solutions are sold by the Sel-Rex Corporationunder the trade names Autronex N," Autronex NI, "Autronex C, andAutronex CI." Those of the above examples which contain the N or NI"designate are nickel alloy solutions of varying concentrations whilethose containing the C or Cl" designate are different concentrations ofco alt alloy solution. The above solutions are not meant to restrict thepresent invention, however, as practically any metal. such as nickel.tin and the like. that is generally deposited by the apparatus andmethod of the present invention.

The electrolyte solution is supplied container 17 via piping 65 whichterminates in the electrolyte solution containing portion of container17 at a T-shaped nozzle 67. Nozzle 67 as shown has its end portionssealed off and is provided with a plurality of spacedly alignedapertures 69 located along the portion of the nozzle immediatelyadjacent the floor 71 of container 17. In this manner, the flow ofsolution is directed toward the floor of the container to assure asubstantially stable surface for the solution. As illustrated, drainmember serves to maintain the desired level of the solution within thecontainer. There is also provided an overflow means consisting ofadjacently positioned overflow portions 73 and 73' respectively. Whenthe solution attains the desired level as established by drain member25, the excessive solution will overflow into drain member 25 and downinto collective reservoir 31 where it is then recirculated throughrecirculation means 33 illustrated in FIG. 1. Should the level asestablished by drain member 25 be such that quantities of the solutionwill overlfow into overflow portions 73 and 73', this solution willthereby exit these portions via established openings in the bottoms ofthese portions. The solution will then return to reservoir 31 and berecirculated.

The rinse solution is supplied to the rinse portion of container 17through pipe 75 where it exits into central reservoir 77. The levelwithin reservoir 77 is established simply by the upper surfaces ofbaffle members 79 located within rinse portion 61. The rinse solutionsimply overflows from central cavity 77 into adjoining overflowreservoirs 81 and 81 respectively whereupon it exits through designatedopenings 83 located in the bottom of the reservoirs. The rinse solutionis then recirculated by a recirculation means 85 illustrated in FIG. 1as comprising a filter member 87 and a pump 89. In the presentembodiment, the primary function of recirculation means 85 is to recovergold from any excess solution still present on the articles as theyemerge from the plating area. This is accomplished by utilizing an ionexchange resin within filter member 87 which will attract gold particlesfrom any solution passing therethrough. This resin is changedperiodically and the gold recovered. A secondary purpose for rinsingeach article is of course to clean the article prior to its removal fromthe apparatus. Thus, it can be seen that a continuously replenishedsupply of rinse solution is provided for rinsing area 61. To assure thata mixing between the electrolyte solution and the rinse solution neveroccurs within container 17, a separation baffle member 91 is provided inthe manner indicated.

With reference to FIG. 4, the means for controlling the rate of travelof articles 27 within track member 11 is illustrated as comprising arotating disc member 19 which rotates in the direction indicated.Positioned within rotating disc member 19 are a plurality of notchportions 93 which upon rotation of the member 19 are each adapted forengaging one of the articles 27 in the manner indicated and removingthis article from track member 11. The article is then rotated to a dropstation 95 which is shown to comprise a collection chute 97 having asubstantially upright backstop member 99 affixed thereto. When rotatingdisc 19 moves one of the articles to station 95, the article is removedfrom the corresponding notch via an air supply means 101 which directs aflow of air in the manner indicated to the station. In doing so, eacharticle is thereby forced into the collection chute 97 and thereafter toan externally located collecting bin (not shown). Rotating disc 19 ispowered as illustrated in FIG. 1 by a drive motor 103 joined to therotating disc via a reduction gear drive 105. It can readily beunderstood, however, that several varieties of drive means can beutilized and the illustrated embodiment is not therefore meant in anyway restrictive to the present invention.

In FIG. 5 a typical example of one of the articles which can be platedby the present invention is illustrated. As can be seen, the preselectedarea indicated as 107 can receive a coating thereon of precious metal byutilizing the coating apparatus and method of the present invention.Utilization of the method and apparatus described assures that onlypreselected portions 107 will be plated on the article. Therefore, asubstantial savings of electrolyte solution results. As has been shownin the drawings, it can also be seen that a method has been providedwhich includes an apparatus which is readily adaptable for coatingsubstantially large quantities of articles in relatively short periodsof time. In referring back to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the rate oftravel of the articles along track 11 is readily controlled by the rateof rotation of circulating disc 19. To increase the rate of travel, therotational rate of disc 19 in turn is also increased. To reduce the rateof travel to thereby achieve a thicker coating on the articles, the rateof rotation of disc 19 is simply reduced.

Thus, there has been shown an apparatus and a method for electroplatingpreselected portions of Felatively large quantities of individualarticles. The method and apparatus as described are capable of providingthis electrical deposition in a relatively simple and inexpensivemanner.

While there have been shown and described what is at present consideredthe preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to thoseskilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be madetherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined bythe appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for electroplating preselected portions ofindividualarticles, said apparatus comprising:

a track member adapted for having each of said articles traveltherealong;

supply means for supplying said articles to said track member;

vibratory means engaged to said track member for effecting movement ofsaid articles along said track member;

a container adapted for containing a predetermined quantity ofelectrolyte solution therein, said container positioned substantiallybelow and related to said track member;

means for controlling the elevation of said electrolyte solution withinsaid container whereby said solution contacts said preselected portionsof said articles which protrude beneath the track member as saidarticles travel along said track member;

means for controlling the rate of travel of said articles along saidtrack member; first electrode means associated with said articles assaid articles travel along said track member; and

second electrode means of opposite polarity than said first electrodemeans and associated with said electrolyte solution, said secondelectrode means spacedly positioned adjacent said preselected portionsof said articles as said articles travel along said track member.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said vibratory meansengaged to said track member for effecting movement of said articlesalong said track member comprises a plurality of individual vibratorymembers spacedly positioned along said track member.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said supply means forsupplying said articles to said track member comprises a vibratory feedmechanism.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 including a rinse means forapplying rinse solution to said preselected portions of said articlesafter said portions have contacted said electrolyte solution within saidcontainer.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said rinse means ispositioned substantially within said container.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 including a recirculation meansadapted for recirculating said electrolyte solution within saidcontainer.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said recirculation meanscomprises a pump member and a filter member.

8. The apparatus according to claim 4 including a recirculation meansadapted for recirculating said rinse solution.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said recirculation meanscomprises a pump member and a filter member.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means forcontrolling the elevation of said electrolyte solution within saidcontainer comprises an adjustable drain member positioned within theportion of said container having said electrolyte solution.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means forcontrolling the rate of travel of said articles along said track membercomprises a rotating disc member having a plurality of individualnotches formed therein, each of said notches adapted for engaging one ofsaid articles and thereafter removing said article from said trackmember.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first electrodemeans associated with said articles comprises a cathode member and saidsecond electrode means associated with said electrolyte solutioncomprises an anode member.

13. A method for electroplating preselected portions of individualarticles comprising:

supplying said articles to a track member; effecting a vibratorymovement to said articles along said track member while an electrolytesolution contacts preselected portions of said articles which protrudebeneath the track member; and

applying an electrical potential to said articles and an electricalpotential of an opposite polarity to said electrolyte solution, therebyproviding deposition of a metal on said preselected portions of saidarticles.

14. The method according to claim 13 wherein said electrical potentialapplied to said articles is provided by a cathode member and saidelectrical potential of opposite polarity applied to said electrolytesolution is provided by an anode member.

UNITED STATES eArENT QFFHJE CERTIFICATE OF CURRECTIQN PATENT NO.3,878,062 DATED 1 April 15, 1975 INVENTOR(S) Guy M. Grimaldi, Thomas E.Byler & gl g fia g l It is certified that error appears in theabove--identified patent and that said Letters Patent are herebycorrected as shown below:

Col. 2, after line 26 reference to FIG. 3A as provided in Amendment ofAugust 1, 1974 has been omitted. This should read FIG. 3A is an enlargedview of the track member of FIG. 3.

Col. 2, line 61 "of a" should read or a M Signed and sealed this 15thday of July 1975.

(SEAL) Attest:

C. MARSHALL DANN RUTH C. MASON Cemmissioner of Patents Attesting Officerand Trademarks

1. AN APPARATUS FOR ELECTROPLATING PRESELECTED PORTIONS OF INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, SAID APPARATUS COMPRISING: A TRACK MEMBER ADAPTED FOR HAVING EACH OF SAID ARTICLES TRAVEL THEREALONG; SUPPLY MEANS FOR SUPPLYING SAID ARTICLES TO SAID TRACK MEMBER; VIBRATORY MEANS ENGAGED TO SAID TRACK MEMBER FOR EFFECTING MOVEMENT OF SAID ARTICLES ALONG SAID TRACK MEMBER; A CONTAINER ADAPTED FOR CONTAINING A PREDETERMINED QUANTITY OF ELECTROLYTE SOLUTION THEREIN, SAID CONTAINER POSITIONED SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW AND RELATED TO SAID TRACK MEMBER; MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE ELEVATION OF SAID ELECTROLYTE SOLUTION WITHIN SAID CONTAINER WHEREBY SAID SOLUTION CONTACTS SAID PRESELECTED PORTIONS OF SAID ARTICLES WHICH PROTRUDE BENEATH THE TRACK MEMBER AS SAID ARTICLES TRAVEL ALONG SAID TRACK MEMBER; MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE RATE OF TRAVEL OF SAID ARTICLES ALONG SAID TRACK MEMBER; FIRST ELECTRODE MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID ARTICLES AS SAID ARTICLES TRAVEL ALONG SAID TRACK MEMBER; AND SECOND ELECTRODE MEANS OF OPPOSITE POLARITY THAN SAID FIRST ELECTRODE MEANS AND ASSOCIATED WITH SAID ELECTROLYTE SOLUTION, SAID SECOND ELECTRODE MEANS SPACEDLY POSITIONED ADJACENT SAID PRESELECTED PORTIONS OF SAID ARTICLES AS SAID ARTICLES TRAVEL ALONG SAID TRACK MEMBER.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said vibratory means engaged to said track member for effecting movement of said articles along said track member comprises a plurality of individual vibratory members spacedly positioned along said track member.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said supply means for supplying said articles to said track member comprises a vibratory feed mechanism.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1 including a rinse means for applying rinse solution to said preselected portions of said articles after said portions have contacted said electrolyte solution within said container.
 5. THe apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said rinse means is positioned substantially within said container.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1 including a recirculation means adapted for recirculating said electrolyte solution within said container.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said recirculation means comprises a pump member and a filter member.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 4 including a recirculation means adapted for recirculating said rinse solution.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said recirculation means comprises a pump member and a filter member.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for controlling the elevation of said electrolyte solution within said container comprises an adjustable drain member positioned within the portion of said container having said electrolyte solution.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for controlling the rate of travel of said articles along said track member comprises a rotating disc member having a plurality of individual notches formed therein, each of said notches adapted for engaging one of said articles and thereafter removing said article from said track member.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first electrode means associated with said articles comprises a cathode member and said second electrode means associated with said electrolyte solution comprises an anode member.
 13. A method for electroplating preselected portions of individual articles comprising: supplying said articles to a track member; effecting a vibratory movement to said articles along said track member while an electrolyte solution contacts preselected portions of said articles which protrude beneath the track member; and applying an electrical potential to said articles and an electrical potential of an opposite polarity to said electrolyte solution, thereby providing deposition of a metal on said preselected portions of said articles.
 14. The method according to claim 13 wherein said electrical potential applied to said articles is provided by a cathode member and said electrical potential of opposite polarity applied to said electrolyte solution is provided by an anode member. 